"There are reports that some Bangladeshi nationals are able to manage to enter Assam and other parts of the country illegally despite several checks and control measures taken along the international border," Rijiju stated in a written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha.

He said to maintain national security, the Central government had already taken a number of steps, including strengthening of the Border Security Force and equipping it with modern and sophisticated equipment. According to the minister, gaps between the border outposts have been reduced and patrolling along the international boundary intensified. Rijiju said construction of border roads and fencing has been accelerated and surveillance equipment provided.

"Besides, the issues of illegal migrants from Bangladesh is regularly taken up at various forums and steps have been taken for coordinated patrolling, identification of vulnerable gaps, strengthening of riverine patrolling etc," he said.

He added India has also urged Bangladesh to take effective steps to check the illegal movement of its nationals into India, especially through vulnerable and riverine areas. The minister pointed out that the powers of identification and deportation of foreign nationals staying illegally, including Bangladeshi nationals, have been delegated to the state governments and union territories' administrations under the Foreigners Act, 1946.